The RRI 10.4m millimeter-wave telescope

Abstract

The 10.4m millimeter-wave telescope of the Raman Research Institute (RRI) has been in operation since 1988. It can observe over the 3-mm atmospheric transmission window (80-115 GHz) where rotational transitions of many molecules including CO lie. Dual polarization cryogenic receivers developed at RRI are in use with the telescope. Filter bands and acousto-optic spectrometers are employed as back-ends for carrying out molecular spectroscopy. Study of SiO masers in late type stars, CO line observations of molecular clouds near massive stars, in the Gould's belt and near supernova remnants and millimeter wave recombination lines are some of the research programs undertaken. Future plans include the development of a four beam receiver to speed up mapping observations.